Legal Career Derailed by Sexual Assault Conviction
The professional ambitions of a Nigerian-trained lawyer hoping to practice in Calgary were shattered on Friday when Justice Marilyn Slawinsky found him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman who works within the justice system.
Charles Ikenwe was convicted for an incident that occurred in his home on October 25, 2023, while he was working as an articling student after emigrating to Canada with his law degree.
Judge Rejects Consent Defense
Justice Slawinsky thoroughly dismissed Ikenwe's testimony that the sexual encounter was consensual, stating his version of events wasn't believable and failed to raise reasonable doubt. "I believe the complainant's version of what occurred," Slawinsky declared in her ruling. "She did not consent to the sexual activity."
The victim had testified that while she agreed to visit Ikenwe's residence, she explicitly stated she wasn't there for sexual purposes. She was forced to wait until late evening when another occupant, whom Ikenwe identified as the husband of the married couple he lived with, left the home. Justice Slawinsky noted this person was actually Ikenwe's wife, a fact the victim was unaware of at the time.
Defense Arguments Dismissed
Defense counsel Eric Nelson-Addy had argued that the victim fabricated the assault allegations after discovering Ikenwe was married and that they had sex in his matrimonial home. However, the judge found this argument unconvincing, noting the woman didn't even know Ikenwe's last name, let alone his marital status, when she immediately confided in her best friend about the assault.
The victim's familiarity with the justice system made her particularly aware of how difficult such complaints are to prove in court, adding credibility to her testimony according to the judge's assessment.
Sentencing Proceedings Ahead
Following the conviction, Nelson-Addy requested a presentence report for his client, which Justice Slawinsky granted. Ikenwe remains at liberty while awaiting sentencing, with a date scheduled to be set on December 5, 2025.
The conviction represents a significant setback for Ikenwe, whose aspirations to continue his legal career in Calgary now face an uncertain future following this verdict at the Calgary Courts Centre.
